UNC Health Southeastern Invests $2 Million in New MRI Machine

UNC Health Southeastern Invests $2 Million in New MRI Machine

UNC Health Southeastern recently invested close to $2 million for a new MRI machine, which is uniquely designed to deliver a comfortable experience for patients along with exceptional image quality for physicians.

"When we made the decision to invest in new equipment, we ensured that it met the needs of our patient population and our community," said UNC Health Southeastern President and CEO Chris Ellington. "This system has current technology to address patient concerns related to comfort while delivering very high-quality images for the best diagnostic outcomes possible."

The new system accommodates patients' differences as patient size and tolerance of small spaces and loud noises can be challenging for some patients. These comfort measures, including a large bore or opening and ultra-lightweight, anatomy-adaptive coils for a quiet scan, help decrease the need for rescans and increase scan consistency across a diverse patient population.

Special sensors save setup time and ensure the exam is administered properly. Additionally, tuners improve the quality and reproducibility of head, neck, and spine imaging using distortion-mitigating software and hardware. Interfaces utilize artificial intelligence and body models to expedite patient positioning and deliver consistent, reproducible results. 

This new machine helps healthcare providers perform a full range of routine and complex MRI exams, while accelerating workflows and delivering consistent results across all patient types.

In addition to these features, the new MRI system is expected to shorten overall appointment times, allowing patients to move more quickly through their imaging visit and return to work, school, or family responsibilities with less disruption. The system's design also improves access for patients with mobility or physical limitations, making it easier to accommodate individuals who use assistive devices or require additional support.

Enhanced image quality and consistency will help physicians monitor complex and chronic conditions more accurately over time, supporting earlier detection of abnormalities and timelier interventions that may improve long-term health outcomes. By delivering high-quality images on the first exam, the new MRI reduces the likelihood of repeat scans, decreasing the burden of additional appointments for patients.

Patients will also benefit from more confident, personalized treatment decisions, as clearer imaging enables providers to tailor care plans more precisely to each individual's needs. High-quality, standardized images can be readily shared among radiologists, primary care providers, and specialists, strengthening coordination of care and ensuring all members of the care team are working from the same accurate information.

To learn more about medical imaging services offered at UNC Health Southeastern and Southeastern Radiology Associates, visit https://www.unchealthsoutheastern.org/care-treatment/imaging-radiology/.